There she is at the Williamstown Dockyard, 10 miles from me as the crow flies, being repaired.

I guess that makes me a Good ole boy, coz I barrack for he South! Note the Flag!

As usual, I will be personally thanking as many of the visiting boys and girls of the US Armed Forces for their service as I can.

It doesnt matter if they make up the pay, sweep the floor or fire a rifle, navigate a plane. Each one is a link in the chain. One link breaks, we all fall down. If a paymaster forgets to pay the overtime for a cleaner, pilot slips on a dirty floor, a mission is delayed for 10 seconds, troops on the ground face 10 more seconds of hostile fire. a lot of people can die in 10 seconds.

Its more important now than ever, to let those who are serving their Country in this time of War know how much they are appreciated. If you see a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Navy or Airforce person in the street, stop and say thank you.

Photos and stories to follow over the next 10 days.

B1-B lancer at YMML (Melbourne Airport) from the TV.

HMAS Ballarat in New Zealand its a fantastic pic when its full size, email me if you want the 5mb image, its worth it!